releve Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Observation Area
1000
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
30
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
75
%
Field Cover
1
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot documents a relatively old stand of Quercus montana and Pinus strobus, with tall Kalmia latifolia shrub layer (open underneath). Occasional large Quercus alba, Quercus velutina, and Carya species also occur but were not captured in this plot. Due to the size of the trees, a 1000 sq. m. releve was sampled. There is no evidence of logging (stumps, stump-sprouted trees) and large, fallen-in-place boles of Castanea dentata lie on the forest floor throughout the stand. Pinus strobus, while relatively large (up to 94 cm DBH, mostly 45-55 cm DBH) appears to be younger than associated Quercus montana and is recruiting heavily in multiple age classes. While not an original-growth forest, logging disturbances here must have occurred well before the demise of Castanea and oak regeneration must have been largely from seed.
0-3 cm: needle and leaf litter
3-10 cm: black organic matter with dense, fine roots
10-13 cm: grayish sandy loam and small stones
13+ cm: yellowish sandy loam with small stones
very difficult to extract soil samples
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Old rotting chestnut logs frequent throughout stand. Butt rot/fire scars on old oaks. Minor wind-blown debris (branches, etc.) throughout.
